#FtLionAwards 2023 Restaurant of the Year shortlist

The Grill Steakhouse in Aylesbury, has been leading the way in Buckinghamshire as the county’s leading Halal steakhouse for years now.

And there’s a good reason why: they are constantly searching for perfection. Having moved from a smaller premises to a bigger one in the town’s central food hub, this place served us not just an incredible starter in with a chance this year, but of course a steak too.

Having been rated 4.5/5, Kachori has the talented Chef Brinder Narula at the helm – a man who has been Executive Chef at both Michelin-starred Benares and Gymkhana in Mayfair, London.

While that ought to speak for itself, his restaurant in the happening-place of London’s Elephant Castle isn’t just in contention for a ‘Best Newcomer’ award, but also ‘Best Main’, ‘Best Seafood’, and ‘Best Burger’.

Having been rated FtLion’s first 5/5 restaurant of 2023, Indian fine-dining venue Kinaara at 5-star InterContinental hotel opposite Canary Wharf has Chef Imamuddin Khan creating magic.

His experience at prestigious Indian restaurants like Radisson in New Delhi, Taj Hotel and The Cinnamon Soho in London, has culminated in Kinaara having made every category thus far, aside from putting up a burger, including ‘Best Newcomer’.

Indian restaurants in London are some of the best out there. Indian high-end restaurant Noir in north east London’s South Woodford has the hugely talented Chef Nikhil Mahale.

With over 20 years’ experience, including a stint at renowned Indian bistro Farzi Café in Leicester Square, not only did he manage to secure 4.5/5 rating, but also has a nominee for every category thus far.

Patara in central London’s Mayfair is one of the best Thai restaurants we’ve been to, with plenty of choices to consider.

Having served us “one of the best” green curries we’ve had, this classic brand was rated a solid 4.5/5 for sheer consistency alone.

Indian restaurant Ritu in London’s St John’s Wood was arguably the most surprising of the Indian restaurants reviewed this year.

Having been rated 4.5/5, they produced some stonking dishes. As a result, they join both Kinaara and Noir with five nominees on the trot, including this one.

The ambitious Chef Patron Peter Lloyd has made Sticky Mango a brand that’s quite unique when it comes to Halal-friendly restaurants in London.

This particular branch in Tower Bridge was rated a solid 4.5/5 and is currently in the running for an award for a starter and a signature Sticky Mango dessert.

Wing Stack was part of FtLion’s epic Halal restaurant tour of Wales. Located in Cardiff, this place really surprised us, punching way above what we initially thought, and turning out to be an extremely ambitious establishment.

With a Mega Box in with a chance of winning ‘Best Main’, as well as their signature Wing Stack Burger, this place is a hidden-gem in Wales.